Board Members
Board Leadership
Executive Board Members
Kurt Krizan - President
Kurt Krizan is currently the Director of STEM (EC-6) for the Appleton Area School District. He previously served as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Little Chute Area School District for five years and as a middle school educator in the Oshkosh Area School District for ten years. Kurt is an avid sports fan and enjoys coaching and watching his two children, Jason and Isabella, participate in a variety of activities.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"Joining WASCD has provided me with an opportunity to surround myself with other professionals who are focused on improving teaching and learning for ALL students in the state of Wisconsin. I am thankful to be a part of an organization that helps make me a better educator."
Rob Meyer - President Elect
Rob Meyer serves the Beaver Dam Unified School District as the Director of Teaching & Learning. He has previously served in education as a Social Studies Educator, Assistant Principal, and Principal.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"I am proud to serve WASCD as I believe in the power of sharing learning, supporting colleagues, and making a difference in kids lives through collaboration."
Kristi Levy - Vice-President
Kristi Levy is currently the principal at Washington Elementary School in the Oshkosh Area School District. Prior to her current position, Kristi served as a middle and high school English teacher and as an instructional coach for Technology Integration. Kristi has been a board member since 2019.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"As the educational landscape continues to change, the importance of connecting educators is increasing and WASCD has a long history of connecting educators around issues that matter and work that is meaningful and I am excited to be part of this work."
Gayle Daniel - Treasurer
Gayle Daniel is currently an Elementary Principal with the School District of Rhinelander. For the last 20+ years she also has served the children of WI as an elementary teacher, worked with Deaf & Hard of Hearing students, Curriculum Director and supporter of all children.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"Becoming a member of this supportive organization was an easy decision. Surrounding oneself with positive people that are dedicated to improving opportunities and experiences for educators and students in WI will allow me to grow as an educational leader and deliver core values that create passionate life – long learners of all ages."
Amy Vesperman - Secretary
Amy Vesperman is the Superintendent of the Plum City School District. Prior to that she was the superintendent of Albany Schools and was a Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Wisconsin Heights School District. Over the last twenty years in education she has had a variety of educational roles. She has taught at all three levels of education and been an administrator at all three levels as well. Prior to becoming a Director of Curriculum and Instruction she was an Elementary Principal in the Delavan– Darien School District. She has been a High School Assistant Principal, Middle School Dean of Students, 5th Grade Teacher, Middle School Math, Reading, Language Arts, English, Social Studies, Science, and At-Risk Teacher, and a High School English and History Teacher. She is currently working on her Doctoral Degree at Madison Edgewood College. Her dissertation is on retention of teachers. Amy is a member of the Member Services Committee.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
“After attending my first WASCD conference I wanted to become involved with an organization who really is very positive towards education, up on all current initiatives, gives you resources that you can take back and use in your district, and who really values education and the kids that we serve. Through WASCD I have had the opportunity to work with DPI on committees and grants. WASCD has helped me grow as a professional and broadened my knowledge of current initiatives, and things that we should be doing in our schools effectively.”
Kim Brown - Immediate Past President/Governance Committee Chair
Kim Brown is currently the Director of Learning and Communication in the Oshkosh Area School District. Her primary responsibilities include professional development and instructional leadership. Prior to her current position, Kim served as an Elementary Teacher, Curriculum Support Specialist, Principal, Assistant Director of Special Education and Director of Early Learning. Kim has been a board member since 2014.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"From my very first WASCD conference, I was impressed with the professional development, vision of the organization, and the engaging discussions. I am thankful to serve with inspiring and passionate individuals who are committed to success for all students."
Eric Larsen - Executive Director
Eric Larsen is the Executive Director of WASCD.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
Committee Leadership
Ann Franke - Communication/Member Services Chair
Ann Franke is the Director of Instruction for the Verona Area School District. She has been a member of the WASCD board since 2009 and is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Member Services Committee. Previously, Ann has been a high school English teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and the Director of Secondary Education for the Eau Claire School District.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"Being a member of WASCD has been one of the most professionally rewarding experiences I’ve had. This is a passionate group of educators who care deeply about the children of Wisconsin and the work of WASCD reflects this."
Maria Kucharski - New Directors Chair
Maria Kucharski has worked in education the past 19 years within a variety of capacities. She is currently the “lead learner” as the Director of Teaching and Learning in Whitefish Bay. She has also servered as principal and curriculum director in Germantown, principal at Kettle Moraine, District 4K coordinator, K-12 math and gifted and talented administrator, classroom teacher at MPS and Mukwonago, and finally an instructional resource teacher (coach) for Elmbrook. All of these experiences have lead to her dream of being a life long learner. Maria has been a member of the WASCD Board since 2010. She is currently the chair of the WASCD New Directors Program.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"Being a life long learner means becoming involved in organizations who feel the same about education and your passion. Who wouldn’t love to be around people whose beliefs are “to achieve success for each learner”? WASCD is dedicated to the whole child and every child!"
Holly Prast - Influence Chair
Holly Prast has been an educator since 1995, serving as teacher and administrator at all levels. In 2013 she earned her PhD in Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University. Her dissertation topic was the foundation of a recent Corwin publication, Communiy Based Learning: Awakening the Mission of Public Schools. Holly and her husband Jim are active singers/performers and have four children.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"The talents of the people in WASCD are phenomal. It is a great honor to be surrounded by educators who promote critical thinking, productive discourse, and progressive educational objectives."
Torrie Rochon-Luft - Program Planning Chair
Torrie Rochon-Luft is the principal at Hortonville Middle School and Fox West Academy. She started her educational career as a 3rd-grade teacher in Shawano then moved to De Pere and became a member of the Unified School District of De Pere for 7 years as a 3⁄4 multiage teacher and 4th-grade teacher. She was a part of staff development, writing curriculum and served on many committees that helped her to grow and flourish~always having a passion for learning, growing and working with kids. After 11 years as a teacher, she became an assistant principal in Menasha at Maplewood Middle School for four wonderful years and then moved into her role as principal at Sabish Middle School for six years of learning, growing and loving a staff completely! She is now in the Hortonville Area School District and couldn’t be happier and prouder to be a part of this wonderful community committed to nurturing all. She feels very blessed to be on the WASCD Board and being a part of the program committee bringing exceptional talent and wisdom to Wisconsin. She enjoys her family very, very much and especially watching her daughter play sports.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"WASCD has provided me excitement in learning over my educational career as a teacher, assistant principal and principal for the last seven years. It is a place where I can learn, take away ideas, be inspired, and develop lasting collaborative relationships. It embodies and fosters inspiration, grit and tenacity in the ever changing landscape of education. Don’t wait another minute, come and see for yourself what all the excitement is about!"
Board Members
Nathan Breitholtz
Nate Breitholtz is a Director of Instruction and Technology for the North Lakeland School District. Prior to his current role he as served as an Assistant Principal, Director of Instruction for CESA 8, and a classroom teacher. He has led numerous professional development sessions on MLSS both academic and behavioral, Data Based decision making, and many other areas in education and leadership. Nate has a deep passion for student engagement, continuous quality improvement, and doing what's right for young scholars. As a professional, he has been afforded opportunities to work with minds in many areas of education. This includes educational technology, lean and six sigma, instructional design, assessment, curriculum, student engagement, personalized learning, culture and climate, teacher evaluation/coaching, and many other areas.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"Anthony Muhammad says "culture always wins." I believe that this built at all levels, and as a professional, I have an obligation to both serve and learn with educators and the community to grow what is possible for our learners. Serving on the WASCD board has been a career goal of my own for years, and I greatly look forward to adding value where I can."
Rainey Briggs
Rainey Briggs is a dynamic educator who has served as a cultural liaison, teacher, principal, and currently the Director of Elementary Education in the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District. As an African American boy growing up in poverty, Rainey quickly learned how to advocate for himself and others and has carried that passion over into his daily work. Rainey obtained his EdD from Edgewood College and wrote a dissertation on the Factors that Promote of Impeded the Success of African American Males in a Predominately White High School. Rainey strives to bring a voice to marginalized students and families. As a principal, he collaborated with staff and families to bring the motto “Every kid, Every day, Whatever it Takes” at the forefront of their school and a mission to live by daily. Dr. Briggs has worked with many school districts on providing professional development around equity and cultural responsiveness. He is also an adjunct professor at Edgewood College. Rainey is a husband to Julie, an educator herself, and the dad to three teenage daughters. When they are not in a gym or on a field, Rainey and his family enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, and barbecuing.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"I became involved in WASCD because this provides opportunities for growth not only for me but for all educators that believe in the work to support and provide additional guidance to leaders and educators across the state of Wisconsin. "
Tony Frontier - Special Advisor to the Board
Tony Frontier, PhD is co-author of Five Leavers to Improve Learning: Prioritzing for Powerful Results in Your School (ASCD, 2014) and Effective Supervision: Supporting the Art and Science of Teaching (ASCD, 2011). Tony has been a member of the WASCD board since 2009, and served as president in 2011. Tony is currently the Director of Teacher Education at Cardinal Stritch University.
Beth Galeazzi
Beth Galeazzi is currently the principal at Webster Stanley Elementary in Oshkosh. Prior to her role as a principal, Beth was a classroom teacher and an elementary math coordinator.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"I enjoy being involved with WASCD because it provides an opportunity for me to improve my own innovative learning and advocate for policies and practices that support quality teaching. "
Mary Gavigan - Director Emeritus
Mary Gavigan the Agency Administrator at CESA #1 Pewaukee. She has been a member of the WASCD board since 2001, and served as President in 2006 – 2007. Currently she is a Director Emeritus.
John Johnson - DPI Liaison
John directs the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Literacy and Mathematics Department. At the DPI, he leads the state’s work in the areas of literacy, English/language arts, and mathematics. Also, John leads all work on academic standards, and chairs the State Superintendent’s Academic Standards Review Council. Additionally, John is an adjunct lecturer at Edgewood College teaching a graduate level education policy and systems leadership course. In 2020, he was appointed by Governor Evers to serve as a member of the Wisconsin Arts Board. John earned his doctor of philosophy degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with his research focused on professional development and international experiences for educators and students. He also earned two master’s degrees, one in Educational Administration and one in Special Education–Learning Disabilities, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. John earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Georgetown University.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
" I became involved in WASCD to build my capacity and ability to advance student learning and, now, I add my role as the liaison for the DPI."
Kristi Klein
Kristi Klein served as a World Language (Spanish) educator for more than 23 years in various PK-12 urban and suburban settings. In addition, she has acted as a leader in various capacities such as Curriculum Coordinator and Department Head in multiple schools where she taught. Kristi currently serves as principal of a private, Catholic school in Port Washington.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"My mentor inspired me to attend a board meeting as a guest. My experience convinced me that the members and the network of WASCD are comprised of a collective group of educators and critical thinkers committed to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education and achieve at high levels."
Lori Mueller
Dr. Lori M. Mueller serves as the District Administrator for the School District of Baraboo. Mueller, completed the doctoral program at Edgewood College, received her M.S. in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.S. in French and Health education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In her 22 years in education as a teacher, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and now superintendent, Mueller has presented at regional, state, and national conferences on topics related to grading for communicating student learning, developing assessment literacy, gifted and talented services, implementing a Response to Intervention framework, continuous school improvement, and strategic planning.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"My first engagement with WASCD was as a teacher aspiring to improve teaching practice. My experience with WASCD over the years provided me knowledge and skills invaluable in developing leadership capacity."
Andrea Reichenberger
Andrea Reichenberger is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Fond du Lac School District. Her educational career path began in the Menasha Joint School District as a library media specialist, classroom teacher, literacy coach, and coordinator. She then joined the Ashwaubenon School District curriculum leadership team as the District Literacy Coordinator. Andrea has taught every grade, 4K through the graduate level, in some capacity. She was an original member of the Literacy Coaching Collaborative through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and is an adjunct professor for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. When the weather is nice, you will most often find Andrea floating in her pool reading anything published by Solution Tree, ASCD, or on the topic of equity in education.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"I became involved in WASCD to continue to connect and learn from my colleagues from across the state. I look forward to working with WASCD and its members with the shared goal of becoming better learners for all of our students. "
Ryan Ruggles
Ryan Ruggles is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the School District of Milton.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
Kelly Seichter
Kelly Seichter is the Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the Whitewater School District. She is currently serving on the WASCD Program Committee. She’s previously been an elementary principal in the Mineral Point School District, the Reading Specialist and Gifted/Talented Coordinator for the Monroe School District and has had the pleasure of being a classroom teacher in all grades K-6 across several school districts.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
“WASCD is an important organization whose mission goes to the heart of the important work educators do. Being a part of this worthy network has benefited me greatly. Not only have I gained colleagues to network with across the state, but I also have the opportunity to contribute to the greater educational community.”
Chris Van Hoof - Historian
Chris Van Hoof has been a member of the WASCD Board since 2006, where she participated on the Program Committee before being elected as President in 2011. She is currently on the board as the historian. Chris works for CESA 8 as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA). Prior to her current position, she was a director of CIA and a high school English teacher for 28 years. Chris has served on a variety of Wisconsin State Tasks Forces, particularly those involving ELA.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?
"A friend tapped me on the shoulder and encouraged me to join. He believed WASCD had some great things to offer me, and I had a few skills to offer to WASCD in return. He was absolutely right. I’m really glad I listened to him!"
Peter Wilson
Dr. Peter Wilson is a leader and educator with a passion for equity and excellence. Throughout his career, he has experience at all the different levels of a school system. Currently, he is the Director of Administrative Services for the DeForest Area School District in DeForest, Wisconsin, a suburban district of Madison, Wisconsin. Previously, he served as Director of Student Services for the Stoughton Area School District in Wisconsin. He has also served as middle school and elementary principal. Prior to his administrative roles, Dr. Wilson served as classroom teacher, mentor and high school tennis coach in the Waunakee Community School District. Peter holds a PhD and MS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, he has an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University.
Why did you become involved in WASCD?